Spray Foam or Batt Insulation? The Choice is Clear

Sometimes, the decisions you need to make are simple. Should you pay your bills on time? Yes, if you want to maintain your credit rating. Should you follow up on that job application? If you haven’t heard anything yet, yes, even if it’s just to confirm that they’ve received your application. Other decisions aren’t as clear, like when it comes to insulation. Deciding between spray foam or batt insulation may require some serious research.

Basic Differences between Spray Foam and Batt Insulation

Materials. Unlike spray foam insulation such as Icynene that can create an effective air barrier wherever it is applied, batt insulation is generally made from fiberglass, mineral wool, or cotton.

Price. You’ll find, generally, that batt insulation has a lower upfront cost than spray foam insulation like Icynene, however the long term savings of living in a house that is effectively air sealed by spray foam insulation can create a significant return on investment.

Installation. While it’s possible to DIY batt insulation, or to have a regular home contractor install it, we always recommend hiring a licensed spray foam insulation contractor, like those Icynene licenses, to install spray foam insulation. Using a professional spray foam installer who has been through a rigorous training and certification process can make the difference between a spray foam insulation nightmare and an incredibly effective installation of insulation.

Coverage. As mentioned earlier, batt insulation is certainly a straightforward installation process, however how is the coverage? Its bulky nature makes batt insulation harder to fit effectively into tight and narrow spots within your home’s structure. On the other hand, Icynene spray foam, which expands within seconds of application to fill tiny nooks and crannies that traditional insulation might not reach. This makes Icynene ideal for areas of your home that are more challenging to insulate well, like cathedral ceilings and unusual or modern architectural designs.

Air Sealing. One of the key benefits of using spray foam insulation like Icynene over any other type of insulation is its ability to create an effective air barrier in your home, wherever it is applied. Think of batt insulation like your favorite wool sweater – cozy, but less than effective when the wind starts blowing or it starts raining. In contrast, Icynene spray foam is like the waterproof jacket you got from the outdoor equipment store – still warm, but also incredibly useful at stopping rain and wind. The result can mean lower monthly heating and cooling bills that you wouldn’t see otherwise.